It’ll be like old times for Comox council members and staff, with the return of in-person council meetings and public hearings.
At their Aug. 11th meeting, council passed a motion to allow them to resume starting on Sept. 9th.
Since April 1st, 2020, they’ve been held via Zoom, with some or all council members taking part electronically, without public in-person attendance.
As Council Chambers did not allow for proper physical distancing between council members, staff and the public, virtual meetings were a way for the public to take by watching a live-stream on the Town’s Facebook page, and more recently via YouTube.
As part of Phase 3 of B.C.’s Restart Plan, the hybrid in-person meetings will allow people to attend council meetings and public hearings to a maximum of 50 people or 50 percent seating capacity, excluding Council members and staff.
As before, Council Chambers will host council meetings and smaller Public Hearings, while larger Public Hearings will be held at the d’Esterre Seniors Centre.
“It has been and continues to be a priority of Council to ensure openness, transparency, and accessibility to the public throughout these challenging times,” said Comox Mayor, Russ Arnott.
“I believe returning to reduced in-person attendance, while continuing to offer live streaming options, provides even more opportunities for important engagement from our residents, businesses and stakeholders.”
Ministerial Orders are set to expire on Sept.28th, and further adjustments will be considered relative to the status and guidance of Step 4 of B.C.’s Restart Plan.
To view agendas and instructions for participating in Council meetings or Public Hearings, including accessing the YouTube link, click here comox.ca/council-meetings or comox.ca/virtual-public-hearings.
